High School Graduation Requirements

Requirements for high school graduation and university admission.

In order to graduate from California public high schools, students must complete specified state and local graduation requirements. Local school districts have the authority and responsibility for establishing high school graduation requirements. These requirements vary among school districts. However, California Education Code Section 51225.3 specifies that students must pass a minimum set of required courses and an exit examination. These requirements should be viewed as minimums and support for the regulations specified by the local school boards.

High school students interested in attending a California public university after graduation must have completed the required freshman admission course requirements while in high school.

California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)
Beginning with the Class of
2006, all public school students were required to pass the CAHSEE to earn a high school diploma. Senate Bill 172, signed into law effective January 1,
2016, suspended the CAHSEE diploma requirement and the administration of the CAHSEE through the 2017-18 school year.

Foreign Exchange Students
California Education Code allows local school districts
to provide graduation recognition to foreign students in foreign
exchange programs who complete their senior year in a California
high school.

For specific information about graduation requirements
for individual schools, please contact your local school district
office. You may use the California Department of Education's School
Directory to find your local school district office.